I love this scene and I'll tell you why.****
Joseph and Emma and Oliver moved into this small 20x30 foot cabin the early part of June 1829. The Whitmer's home was already full, but they made room for the great work of finishing the translation of The Book of Mormon.****
Joseph was a new curiosity in this area of Seneca County, New York and therefore attracted numerous visitors. You can well imagine upon whom the most stress would fall in this very busy household: Mary Musselman Whitmer, the mother. She worked tirelessly trying to keep up with the added responsibilities but she was getting tired.****
On one occasion she came out the back door of the home, heading for the barn to milk the cows. On her way there the Angel Moroni met her and talked with her, saying: ®Blessed art thou Mary for the work which is going in your home has increased your toil. Therefore, the Lord sees fit to give you your own witness.® Thereupon Moroni showed Mary the gold plates and let her touch them one by one. He then said, ®If you hold out faithful to the end your reward is sure.®****
As far as we know, Mary was the first one to see the plates after Joseph Smith and became a powerful witness and supporter of the work.